UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she passes the programme. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the
programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this specification is reviewed by
the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Degree and Programme Title: BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with a Foundation Year
1. Awarding Institution/Body
University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution
University of Kent
3. School responsible for management
of the programme
School of Mathematics, Statistics & Actuarial
Science
4. Teaching Site
Canterbury
5. Mode of Delivery
Full-time
6. Programme accredited by
7. Final Award
BSc (Hons), BSc, Diploma, Certificate
8. Programme
Mathematics with a foundation year
9. UCAS Code (or other code)
G108
10. Credits/ECTS Value
480 (ECTS 240)
11. Study Level
Undergraduate (level 6)
12. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking
group(s)
Mathematics, Statistics & Operational Research.
13. Date of creation/revision (note that
dates are necessary for version control)
Revised version March 2015
14. Intended Start Date of Delivery of this
Programme
from September 2015
15. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
1. Equip students with the technical appreciation, skills and knowledge appropriate to graduates in
Mathematics.
2. Develop students’ facilities of rigorous reasoning and precise expression.
3. Develop students’ capabilities to formulate and solve mathematical problems.
4. Develop in students appreciation of recent developments in Mathematics, and of the links
between the theory of Mathematics and its practical application.
5. Develop in students a logical, mathematical approach to solving problems.
6. Develop in students an enhanced capacity for independent thought and work.
7. Ensure students are competent in the use of information technology, and are familiar with
computers, together with the relevant software.
8. Provide students with opportunities to study advanced topics in Mathematics, engage in research
1
Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
at some level, and develop communication and personal skills.
16 Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and
understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes
have references to the subject benchmarking statement for Mathematics, Statistics and Operational
Research.
A. Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. Core mathematical understanding in the principles of calculus, algebra, mathematical
methods, discrete mathematics, analysis and linear algebra. (SB3.12)
2. Statistical understanding in the subjects of probability and inference. (SB3.12)
3. Information technology skills as relevant to mathematicians. (SB3.17)
4. Methods and techniques of mathematics. (SB3.9)
5. The role of logical mathematical argument and deductive reasoning. (SB3.14)
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Teaching/learning: Lectures given by a wide variety of teachers: example classes:
workshops, computer laboratory classes.
Assessment: Coursework involving problems, computer assignments, project reports;
presentations, written unseen examinations.
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual Skills: (SB3.23, SB3.24)
1. Ability to demonstrate a reasonable understanding of Mathematics.
2. Ability to demonstrate skill in calculation and manipulation of the material written within
the programme.
3. Ability to apply a range of concepts and principles in various contexts.
4. Ability for logical argument.
5. Ability to demonstrate skill in solving mathematical problems by various appropriate
methods.
6. Ability in relevant computer skills and usage.
7. Ability to work with relatively little guidance.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Teaching/learning: Lectures given by a wide variety of teachers: example classes:
workshops, computer laboratory classes.
Assessment: Coursework involving problems, computer assignments, project reports;
presentations, written unseen examinations.
C. Subject-specific Skills: (SB3.23)
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Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
1. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of key mathematical concepts and topics, both
explicitly and by applying them to the solution of problems.
2. Ability to comprehend problems, abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them
mathematically and in symbolic form so as to facilitate their analysis and solution.
3. Ability to use computational and more general IT facilities as an aid to mathematical
processes.
4. Ability to present their mathematical arguments and the conclusions from them with
clarity and accuracy.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Teaching/learning: Skills modules; computer laboratory classes; research projects;
lectures; examples classes.
Assessment: Coursework, written unseen examinations and presentations.
D. Transferable Skills: (SB3.27)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Problem-solving skills, relating to qualitative and quantitative information.
Communications skills.
Numeracy and computational skills.
Information-retrieval skills, in relation to primary and secondary information sources,
including information retrieval through on-line computer searches.
5. Information technology skills such as word-processing and spreadsheet use, internet
communication, etc.
6. Time-management and organisational skills, as evidenced by the ability to plan and
implement efficient and effective modes of working.
7. Study skills needed for continuing professional development.
Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated
Teaching/learning: Taught skills modules; oral presentations; research projects.
Assessment: Coursework, presentations, project assessment.
For more information on the skills developed by individual modules and on the specific learning
outcomes associated with any Certificate, Diploma or BSc non-honours awards relating to this
programme of study, see the module mapping.
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Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
17 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
BSc: This programme is studied over four years full-time.
The programme is divided into four stages, each stage comprising modules to a total of 120 credits.
Students must successfully complete each module in order to be awarded the specified number of
credits for that module. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of 'learning time'
(including all classes and all private study and research). Thus obtaining 120 credits in an academic
year requires 1,200 hours of overall learning time. For further information on modules and credits
refer to the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html
Each module and programme is designed to be at a specific level. For the descriptors of each of
these levels, refer to Annex 2 of the Credit Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/creditframework/creditinfoannex2.html. To be eligible for the award of an honours degree students must
obtain 480 credits, at least 210 of which must be Level I or above, and including at least 90 credits
at level H or above at Stage 3.
Compulsory modules are core to the programme and must be taken by all students studying the
programme. Optional modules provide a choice of subject areas, from which students will select a
stated number of modules.
Where a student fails a module(s) due to illness or other mitigating circumstances, such failure may
be condoned, subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student
has achieved the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit
Framework at http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/credit-framework/creditinfo.html.
Where a student fails a module(s), but has marks for such modules within 10 percentage points of
the pass mark, the Board of Examiners may nevertheless award the credits for the module(s),
subject to the requirements of the Credit Framework and provided that the student has achieved
the programme learning outcomes. For further information refer to the Credit Framework.
A module whose code bears an asterisk cannot be compensated, trailed or condoned under the
Credit Framework.
Students successfully completing Stage 1 of the programme and meeting credit framework
requirements who do not successfully complete Stage 2 will be eligible for the award of the
Certificate in Mathematics. Students successfully completing Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the
programme and meeting credit framework requirements who do not successfully complete Stage 3
will be eligible for the award of the Diploma in Mathematics.
Students successfully completing Stage 2 of the programme and achieving 300 credits overall
including at least 60 credits at level H or above at Stage 3 and meeting Credit Framework
requirements will be eligible for the award of a BSc non-honours degree. Students may not
progress to the non-honours degree programme; the non-honours degree programme will be
awarded as a fallback award only.
4
Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Code
Title
Level
Credits
Term(s)
Stage 0
Compulsory Modules
MA022
Graphs, Geometry and Trigonometry
F
15
1&2
MA024
Additional Mathematics
F
15
1&2
MA025
Foundation Statistics
F
15
1&2
MA026
Mathematical Workshops
F
30
1&2
Students must select one of the following modules
EL021
Calculus
F
15
1&2
MA027
Calculus for Foundation Year Mathematics
F
15
1&2
Students must select two of the following modules (with the recommendation that they do not
select more than one of the 15-credit modules run exclusively in term 2)
PH020
Introductory Mathematics – Arithmetic and
Algebra
F
15
1&2
EL033
Foundation Computing
F
15
1&2
HI434
Introduction to the History of Science
C
15
2
PL310
Introduction to Philosophy: Logic and
Reasoning
C
15
2
LZ037
English for Academic Study (available only to
international students with an IELTS score
below the standard Stage 1 entry level of 6.5
(or equivalent))
F
15
1 or 2
LZ036
Academic Skills Development
C
15
1 or 2
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
MA306
Statistics
C
15
2
MA321
Calculus and Mathematical Modelling
C
30
1&2
MA322
Proofs and Numbers
C
15
1
MA323
Matrices and Probability
C
15
1&2
MA324
Exploring Mathematics
C
15
1&2
MA325
From Geometry to Algebra
C
30
1&2
Stage 2
Compulsory Modules
MA552
Analysis
I
15
1
MA553
Linear Algebra
I
15
1
5
Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MA629
Probability and Inference
I
15
1
Students must select at least two of the following modules
MA588
Mathematical Techniques and Differential
Equations
I
15
2
MA564
Functions of Several Variables
I
15
2
MA565
Groups and Rings
I
15
2
Optional Modules Students must select modules from the following so as to give a total of 120
credits for Stage 2.
MA584
Computational Mathematics
I
15
2
MA590
Mathematical Modelling
I
15
1
MA632
Regression Models
I
15
2
MA566
Number Theory
I
15
1
CB668
Linear programming & its Applications
H
15
1
Stage 3
Compulsory Modules: students must select one of the following modules
MA599
Mini-Projects
H
30
1&2
MA600
Dissertation
H
30
1&2
Optional Modules Students must select 90 credits from the following.
Availability of modules on the list will depend on whether appropriate pre-requisite and co-requisite
modules have been taken and on whether the module is available. Not all modules will run each
year, however a balanced programme with adequate choice will be guaranteed. Scheduling of
particular modules in autumn or spring term where indicated as ‘1 or 2’ will ensure a reasonable
balance across terms for those modules that are offered. For further information, refer to the
handbook
https://www.kent.ac.uk/smsas/resources/index.html?tab=handbooks
MA538
Applied Bayesian Modelling
H
15
1
MA549
Discrete Mathematics
H
15
1
MA563
Calculus of Variations
H
15
1
MA567
Topology
H
15
1 or 2
MA568
Orthogonal Polynomials and Special Functions H
15
1 or 2
MA572
Complex Analysis
H
15
1
MA574
Polynomials in Several Variables
H
15
2
MA576
Groups and representations
H
15
2
MA577
Elements of Abstract Analysis
H
15
1
MA587
Numerical Solution of Differential Equations
H
15
1
MA591
Nonlinear Systems and Mathematical Biology
H
15
1
MA595
Graphs and Combinatorics
H
15
1 or 2
MA603
Introduction to Lie groups and Algebras
H
15
1 or 2
MA605
Symmetries, Groups and Invariants
H
15
1 or 2
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Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MA607
Quantum Theory
H
15
1 or 2
MA609
Applied Differential Geometry
H
15
1 or 2
MA611
Introduction to Functional Analysis
M
15
1 or 2
MA617
Asymptotics and Perturbation Methods
H
15
1 or 2
MA636
Stochastic Processes
H
15
1
MA639
Time Series Modelling and Simulation
H
15
2
MA771
Applied Stochastic Modelling and
Data Analysis
H
15
2
MA772
Analysis of Variance
H
15
1
MA781
Practical Multivariate Analysis
H
15
2
CB600
Games and Networks
H
15
2
18 Work-Based Learning
Disability Statement: Where disabled students are due to undertake a work placement as part of
this programme of study, a representative of the University will meet with the work placement
provider in advance to ensure the provision of anticipatory and reasonable adjustments in line with
legal requirements.
Where relevant to the programme of study, provide details of any work-based learning element,
inclusive of employer details, delivery, assessment and support for students:
This programme does not include a work-based learning element.
19 Support for Students and their Learning
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School and University induction programme
Programme/module handbooks
Library services, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/library/
Student Support, see www.kent.ac.uk/studentsupport/
Student Wellbeing www.kent.ac.uk/student/wellbeing/.
Centre for English and World Languages, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/cewl/index.html
Student Learning Advisory Service, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/about/slas.html
PASS system, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/documents/qualityassurance/codes/taught/pdf/AnnexG.pdf
Academic Adviser system
Kent Union, see www.kentunion.co.uk/
Careers and Employability Services, see www.kent.ac.uk/ces/
Counselling Service www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/
Information Services (computing and library services), see www.kent.ac.uk/is/
Undergraduate student representation at School, Faculty and Institutional levels
International Development Office, see www.kent.ac.uk/international/
Medical Centre, see www.kent.ac.uk/counselling/menu/Medical-Centre.html
University and School web pages, including the Student Data System and the Moodle Virtual
Learning Environment
7
Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT

Computing labs and study rooms
20 Entry Profile
The minimum age to study a degree programme at the university is normally at least 17 years old
by 20 September in the year the course begins. There is no upper age limit.
20.1 Entry Route
For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus
Candidates are considered on an individual basis.
Declaration of disclosure of any criminal convictions including those outstanding.
20.2 What does this programme have to offer?




An excellent grounding in Mathematics at university level.
The opportunity to see the applications of Mathematics in a variety of areas.
The opportunity to study the subject within a friendly and highly successful department.
The development of skills which are widely recognised as of great value to employers, and
which open up a wide variety of careers.
20.3 Personal Profile




A keen interest in Mathematics
An appreciation of the importance of the subject in the modern world
An interest in learning about the range of real-life applications of the mathematical sciences
A desire to develop quantitative and problem-solving skills
21 Methods for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and
Learning
21.1 Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the
curriculum and outcome standards
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Student module evaluations
Annual programme and module monitoring reports, see
http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexe.html
External Examiners system, see http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexk.html
Periodic programme review, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexf.html
Annual staff appraisal
Peer observation
Quality Assurance Framework, http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/index.html
QAA Higher Educational Review, see http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-ofreview/higher-education-review/Pages/default.aspx
Active staff development programme
Continuous monitoring of student progress and attendance
Vetting process of examination questions by module team
21.2 Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards

Staff/Student Liaison Committee
8
Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
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School Learning and Teaching Committee
Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee
Faculty Board
Learning and Teaching Board
Board of Examiners
21.3 Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning
experience
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Student module evaluations
Staff/Student Liaison Committee
Student rep system (School, Faculty and Institutional level)
Annual NSS
Discussions with Academic Advisers
Discussions with Senior Tutor
Informal meetings and social contact with students (including student role in recruitment
activities)
Staff have office hours when students can discuss their modules/programmes
21.4 Staff Development priorities include:
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PGCHE requirements
HEA (associate) fellowship membership
Annual appraisals
Institutional Level Staff Development Programme
Academic Practice Provision (PGCHE, ATAP and other development opportunities)
Professional body membership and requirements
Programme team meetings
Research seminars
Conferences
Study leave
Research-led teaching
Links with other European institutions
Regular formal and informal collaboration in programme development
Staff supervision
Minimum expected qualifications for appointments to lecturing posts
Minimum expected research record for appointments to lecturing posts
Mentoring of new lecturers
Attendance at national/international subject symposia
Widening participation
Health and safety
Interaction with National Learning and Teaching Network for Mathematics and Statistics
Self-evaluation
Dissemination of good practice on new learning and teaching methods
Current professional practice in the field
22 Indicators of Quality and Standards
9
Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
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Results of periodic programme review (last PPR was 2009)
QAA Institutional Audit 2008
Annual External Examiner reports
Annual programme and module monitoring reports
22.1 The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:
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QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education
QAA Benchmarking statement/s for Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
School and Faculty plan
University Plan/Learning and Teaching Strategy
Staff research activities
10
Undergraduate programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
BSc in MATHEMATICS WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR
Learning outcome by module
C: Compulsory
O: Optional
A. Knowledge &
Understanding
Level and
module
A1
O
##
O
C
C
C
C
##
O
O
O
O
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
£
£
O
O
£
O
Level F
PH020
EL021
EL033
MA022
MA024
MA025
MA026
MA027
LZ037
Level C
HI434
PL310
LZ036
MA321
MA322
MA323
MA324
MA325
MA306
Level I
MA552
MA553
MA565
MA564
MA566
MA584
MA588
MA590
A2
A3
X
X
A4
A5
B1
B2
B3
B4
B5
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
11
Undergraduate programme specification
C. Subject
Specific Skills
B. Intellectual Skills
B6
X
X
X
X
X
X
B7
C1
C2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
C3
C4
D1
D2
D3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
D. Transferable Skills
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
D4
D5
D6
D7
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
#
#
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
MA629
MA632
CB668
Level H
MA538
MA549
MA563
MA567
MA568
MA572
MA574
MA576
MA577
MA587
MA591
MA595
MA599
MA600
MA603
MA605
MA607
MA609
MA611
MA617
MA636
MA639
MA771
MA772
CB600
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
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X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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X
X
X
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X
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12
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## = Students must take EITHER EL021 OR MA027
# = Students must take EITHER MA599 OR MA600; £=Students take at least 2 of MA588, M564, M565
Undergraduate programme specification
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